Over the past few days I have really been thinking about why we go to church. If you were born and raised in America (especially if you are 30 or older) then you were probably raised going to church. As one who was brought up going to church I realize its purpose can become blurred by habit. So I would like us to look at some reasons why we are supposed to attend church and the main reasons we don’t.
- BECAUSE GOD SAID FOR US TO:
Hebrews 10:25 states,
“not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb 10:25 MKJV)
Put another way,
“We should not stop gathering together with other believers, as some of you are doing. Instead, we must continue to encourage each other even more as we see the day of the Lord coming.(GW)”
I know, I know; this does not say how many days a week we must assemble, and it doesn’t say we have to be there every time the church doors are open. I heard this countless times growing up, and I’ve even been guilty of repeating it myself on occasion. Service times, however, are not every day of the week. The fact is most meeting times these days are twice a week – 3 if you count choir rehearsal; therefore, the argument that we don’t have to be there every time the doors are open is moot. I can hear some folks now; you read this and say, “It doesn’t say I have to go to a particular building, I can assemble at my home if I want to.” Yes, you can, but what believers are you meeting with in your home? Who’s your pastor/teacher? Television, podcasts, and the like do not count. A few years ago there was a church in Florida who started meeting at the beach. Their “church” was right outside, beneath God’s beautiful sky. Way back when, the early church did not have a beautiful edifice to meet at, yet they did not neglect to gather together. We cannot make lame excuses for not doing what God has told us to do.
- TO LEARN AND BETTER COMPREHEND THE WORD OF GOD: Attending church with other believers can and will encourage spiritual growth and build your faith. We are supposed to grow in our understanding of Scripture. We do not know it all and, therefore, must learn from the pastor God has given us, as well as from our fellowshipping with other believers. 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 4:11-16;
- BENEFIT FROM FELLOWSHIPPING WITH OTHER BELIEVERS: Let’s face it, the world is not welcoming to a true believing child of God; it’s just not. God knows this, which is why He places us within a church family. We are supposed to grow in love for one another, draw strength and encouragement from one another, help one another in any way we can, and enjoy one another’s company. It is with our church family that we can relax and be at peace, if we allow ourselves to become a part of God’s family. As believers we belong to one another, we need one another. I have watched young believers who do not yet understand this, and they hold themselves aloof, standoffish, from the very ones God has placed them with for mutual good. As a shy individual, I can understand to a point, but I encourage you to relax in the presence of your God-given family and embrace the love, strength, encouragement, and fellowship He has placed you with them to receive and give. To do otherwise is only to disobey God and hinder your own walk with Him. Hebrews 10:24-25; Galatians 6:2; Acts 2:42-47; Romans 12:4-5; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:26-27
- IT’S ONE WAY OF PUTTING GOD FIRST: I can already hear some saying that just because one doesn’t go to church/every service it does not mean they aren’t putting God first. This view, and others like it, causes me to question what we are putting in place of church. Do we have a legitimate reason for not attending? “I just don’t want to” or “I just didn’t feel like it” does not count. What makes us not want to hear the Word of God or be around His people? This leads me into the main reasons why we don’t go to church as we should.
- FLESH-CENTERED: Human beings by nature want what’s comfortable and pleasing to the flesh. One, if not THE, main reason some do not attend church as they should is that they are flesh-centered individuals. What they want and how they feel is what’s most important. These individuals most often do not have a legitimate reason for not attending. Their weak excuses consist of “I just don’t want to go,” “I don’t want to travel that far,” or “I don’t feel like it; I’m tired.” Sometimes these individuals may say they are going, but they readily allow anyone or anything to change the plans. They quickly forget what they said, thus proving themselves fickle and unreliable. They are flesh-centered. “Deny myself? Puh-leeze!” Such individuals will not deny themselves (Luke 9:23) or acknowledge God in everything they do (Prov 3:6) because what “they” say goes. You will find out just how much if you press them about it; ask them “why” more than once and you may see frustration and/or anger quickly come to the surface!
- LACK OF UNDERSTANDING: Individuals who do not understand the purpose of church will often not attend as they should. They don’t see the need in attending regularly. God’s desire and purpose for having us gather together is lost on them and, therefore, attending church holds no value for these individuals. Oftentimes the flesh-centered person above will also lack understanding of the purpose of church, viewing it as a “take it or leave it” activity of little to no importance.
- IN THE WRONG CHURCH: Sometimes one can be attending the wrong church. Is the church a Bible believing and teaching church (not just a Christian talking church)? Did we allow God to place us where He wants us to be?
If the church isn’t fulfilling its purpose {you aren’t able to learn and grow, there is little to no fellowship, mean kristians are allowed to steamroll over everybody, there is a lack of leadership and order etc…} one will soon find themselves slacking off in attendance. Why? Because there is no reason for going! I know this from personal experience.
I attended a church once where the message was basically the same every week; even the same passage of Scripture was given! People were apathetic about church business; it was like pulling teeth to get folks to come to choir rehearsal. Pretty soon attending was drudgery. Eventually I found somewhere else to go. Another church I attended was out of order, and the people had a serious lack of respect for the pastor. Leadership did not require a standard for the House of God; therefore, people did not do their best and shoddiness was a part of almost everything! The Word that was preached was pretty basic. The members were also lackadaisical; there was no enthusiasm for whatever they set out to do. One had to fight to keep from picking up the “mediocre is ok” mentality. It became harder and harder to attend. I didn’t completely quit going, although there were times I forgot it was a church day, and I was often glad to have a reason not to go. I soon found myself begging God to show me where to go. Both of these churches were “family” churches and happily stagnating in their own way. The purpose of attendance was not being met, and I was drying up instead of flourishing. It is so important to allow God to place you in the right church. Had I learned that lesson years ago I would have wasted a lot less time and had a lot less misery!
Think about it: If we don’t love worshipping God & being with other believers then heaven isn’t the place for us! Click To Tweet
Gathering together with fellow believers under a God-ordained pastor (shepherd) is more important than many realize. God will not force us to do anything; however, when we find ourselves slacking and drifting we can’t blame God or anyone else. We must ask ourselves if we have been partaking of what God has placed in our lives for our spiritual benefit. Why do we not value the things of God? Why do we not value time with other believers? Are we self-centered, occupied only with appealing to our flesh? God provides what we need to make it, but it is up to us to partake of it. I encourage all of us to put our flesh on the back burner and lay aside selfish excuses in order to obey God and embrace our positions as members of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:14-27).
Until next time
Let’s “hear” some chatter out there!
What are your views regarding church?
Do you value meeting with other believers or can you take it or leave it?
Do you have a good pastor and benefit from his instruction?
What are some other reasons for attending/not attending church?
This is so true! Another big part is this: today’s culture in America has basically turned into something completely irreverent and anti-Christian. A lot of the younger crown doesn’t attend because they don’t see any need to show reverence to God. And if they do, they serve a false “god” because society tells them that Christianity is judgmental. It’s all the more reason for us to let our lights shine and show these younger people that God is real, and that He cares for them.
Hello Tiff,
You are soooo right! It breaks my heart to see how irreverent/anti-Christ our nation has become. I have been watching this transformation for quite some time now. Young people don’t see a need to show reverence for God because many of todays church folk don’t see a need to show reverence for God. We must continue to pray and, as you stated, “let our lights shine and show these younger people that God is real and that He cares for them.”
Thanks so much for reading the post and sharing your thoughts.
God bless you!
Really enjoyed reading this! Thank you for sharing your insight with honesty. I too have experienced seasons of drought and learned that God does call us at times to join another church for greater growth in our faith. I learned to refrain from boxing God in to what I thought were parameters He never crossed. Bible preaching and Spirit minded churches are life breathing into our faith!
Hello Gretchen,
I agree with you. God knows best doesn’t He?
Thanks so much for reading and commenting on the post.
God bless you!
Juanita, you had me with your title! I’ve been on both sides of this issue, and it is such a blessing when all the pieces fit so perfectly. Hugs!
Hello Crystal,
It is a major blessing when everything fits as it should; it is priceless!! Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts!
Go bless you
I’m just getting home from church right now, so all these great reasons are fresh in my mind! 🙂 I’m grateful that I have found a Spirit-filled church that loves to praise the Lord. I love going and miss it when I don’t. Thanks for your encouragement to keep it up. “God provides what we need to make it, but it is up to us to partake of it.” Amen.
Hello Lisa!
I am so glad to know you are in a good church, and that you attend. I say that because I know some who are in a good church but don’t value it/attend. I can certainly relate to being grateful for a Spirit-filled church; there is nothing like finding the right church ;D. Thank you for taking time to read the post and share your thoughts.
God bless you!
Yes, finding a good fellowship is important…also that the preaching & teaching is Bible based & not man based!
I am praying about the church I have been attending, there is not a lot of pastoral care… so I’m praying for direction whether to change churches or to be the change!
You’re most welcome to join me in a cup of inspiration anytime!
Jennifer
Hello Jennifer,
Yes Yes Yes! We can’t do a thing with man-based preaching.
Not a lot of pastoral care at your current church, hm… Since you see the need for that you might be called to be the change. Maybe some others have noticed and just need someone to speak up in order to get the ball rolling. Definitely ask God for direction in this; could be that He is the one who opened your eyes to this particular gap that needs filling.
Thanks for taking time to read and comment.
God bless you!
P.S. I’d be happy to join you in a cup of inspiration.
Yes, I am definitely praying what direction to go & want to make sure it is not just me with ideals & expectations, as they are very faithful in missions support.
I look forward to your visit!
Jennifer
Hello Jennifer,
It sounds like they need to be made aware of the needs in other areas. Were I in a similar situation I believe I’d bring the issue to their attention. However, God’s will be done; He won’t have you making the wrong move 🙂
I was raised Catholic but we did not go to church regularly. I went to Catholic school till I was in 5th grade and made all the sacraments. As a teen I left the church completely and after I had my daughters I went back to church but I went to many different Protestant churches. I stayed at some for a short time and others for up to a year. I never felt at home at any of them. And, to be honest, I was never welcomed at any of them either. A woman by herself at church is a very lonely person. At church events I was always by myself. The only church that I ever was really welcomed in was a Baptist church and I attended there for a little over a year. In the past few months I’ve come back to the Catholic church and I feel as if I am back home. I’ve tried a few different Catholic churches in my area looking for a good home church. Wouldn’t you know that I am most comfortable in the very church I grew up in…in my own home town. I go to church now because I want to be closer to God and I feel that I am when I go to church. I go every Sunday because I would feel empty if I missed a Mass.
Hello Kara,
I am sorry your experience with Protestant churches has not been the best. That is a shame, and it does not please God I can assure you. Please believe me when I say there is a difference between those who go to the church and those who are actually Of The Church. Sometimes it can take a little while to find those who are Of the church; please don’t just the whole by the poor examples. It is wonderful that you desire to be closer to God, and I am happy to know that you are attending church regularly again. I totally understand feeling empty/out of sorts if you have to miss a service.
I encourage you to pray and seek God’s will for a church home. If He leads you to stay where you are, that is great! If, however, God should lead you elsewhere just be willing to follow. I say this from experience. There is comfort in familiarity. This is part of the reason I sat for years in a couple of stagnate churches because I didn’t know to/know how to let God place me where I needed to be. I was “comfortable” because these were the kind of churches I grew up in; it’s what I knew. They were not good for my spiritual well being, and spiritual well being is most important for every believer.
Thanks for reading the post and sharing a little of your story.
May God bless you and continue to drawer closer to Him.
I love my Church! Its so important to find a good home Church that feeds your spirit and get connected! Otherwise we are robbing ourselves for sure! We are also out there to be attacked by Satan even more than when we are under the covering and protections of a Churches Pastor and Leadership. Thank you for this awesome post! Bless you!! ❤
Hello Donna,
I totally agree with you. I love the church I attend now. It is where I know God placed me, and I have grown so much in the 2 years I’ve been there (I could whip myself for the years I wasted not allowing God to lead me regarding a church! But, you do what you know till you learn better right? :D). When you are in the right place you will definitely know it. To be without the right covering (pastor/leadership) can be quite detrimental, like you said. I am glad you have a good church home. Thanks for reading and commenting.
God bless you!
I stopped going to church for a little over a year and man, did my faith walk suffer from it. I am back in the fold and rarely miss a Sunday service. I have a great pastor and church family! Loved your post!!!
Hello Lisa,
This sort of thing can happen and, like you said, our faith will indeed suffer from it; my dad likes to say a fish out of water won’t last long :).
I am so thankful to God that you are back now with a good pastor and church family. Words cannot express how important it is to be in a good church with a good pastor!
Thanks for reading and commenting.
God bless you!